Hungary

IP firms Danubia and Sár & Partners work hand in hand in the Hungarian IP market. The firms have expertise in both patents and trade marks. The patent team is particularly strong in the pharmaceutical, food and technical goods industries. Recent work includes authorisation proceedings and providing strategic advice in the research field. The firms represent a number of leading pharmaceutical companies in preliminary injunctions involving blockbuster drugs.

József K Tálas heads the patent department with Eszter Szakács.

Kovári and Partners is recommended in the patent arena for both contentious and non-contentious work. The firm provides strategic advice in relation to both international and European patent applications.

The firm is led by Zoltán Kovári, a patent attorney with expertise in the pharmaceutical and chemistry fields. Kovári, who also advises on patent litigation, is supported by a team of legal and administrative assistants.

SBGK is one of the leading law firms in Hungary. Its IP practice is one of the strongest in the jurisdiction, and market commentators observe that it "dominates the market". Zsolt Szentpéteri heads the patent department. Senior patent counsel Ádám Szentpéteri Jr also plays a key role in the team.

The firm's patent attorneys have expertise in almost all fields of technology and have a wealth of experience in patenting inventions and validating foreign patent applications in Hungary. They are also skilled in patent infringement litigation and portfolio management for start-ups and large companies. This year, patent counsel Farkas Szabolcs joined the team further strengthening its position in the IP market.

Szecskay Attorneys at Law is a leader in the Hungarian legal market with a highly recommended IP practice. Its patent department is rapidly growing with two of Hungary's largest drug manufacturers on its client list. The firm has particular strength in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and healthcare industries. Recent work includes providing advice on EU pharmaceutical legislation and registering new pharmaceutical products. The firm also has experience in the preparation of price agreements between the government and private companies.

The team is led by partner András Szecskay who receives praise from market commentators. Szecskay is supported by Gusztáv Bacher, who competitors say is "the most well-known lawyer in Hungary".

Advopatent has expertise in trade mark protection, alongside its main patent practice. Enikő Faber, Miklós Faber, György Kovári and Csaba Varannai have experience in the administration and preparation of formal trade mark applications.

International law firm CMS is recommended for soft IP work in Hungary. Clients include companies in the pharmaceutical, technology, media and entertainment industries. The IP/IT team is led by Dóra Petrányi who has a wealth of experience in the hi-tech and TMT fields. She is supported by rising star Ágnes Sólyom who heads the copyright practice and litigation work at the firm. The firm handles Hungarian trade mark and copyright matters for Samsung Electronics, including trade mark enforcement and domain name infringement work. It also assists an international pet food producer with the expansion of its trade mark portfolio in a number of EU jurisdictions, highlighting its international capabilities.

Gödölle Kékes Mészáros & Szabó is recommended for its trade mark prosecution work. Marcell Kereszty is a respected trade mark attorney at the firm.

Leading international firm Knight Bird & Bird Iroda has a strong IP department. It has contentious and non-contentious capabilities, with particular strength in patent and trade mark litigation. Bálint Halász heads the IP practice in Hungary. A client notes that he has a "strong business-minded approach with an understanding of technology". The firm manages the trade mark portfolios of a number of brand owners in industries ranging from technology to food and beverages. Recent trade mark work includes registrations, oppositions and brand management matters. Market commentators commend the firm's "solid IP practice".